Was not sure I believed this, but verified it with a few cat
sites and it appears to be true. Here are things you can do to
assist in having your cat return home. Put the litter box or
scoop of used litter outside along with any of the following:
articles of your own worn clothing, a slept on pillowcase, a
used bath mat or towel, a vacuum bag or canister and kitty’s
favorite bed or blanket. These will be familiar scents that will
appeal to kitty. It is said they can smell from long distances.
Putting out cat food does not work.
Incidentally,
statistics show many cats return from 8pm to 2am and from 4am
to 7am.